Boroughs Records

Medieval boroughs were established by charters which provided the basis of their powers of self-government.

Larger boroughs secured a degree of exemption from county jurisdiction and exercised considerable powers of self-regulation within their boundaries, including the levying of local taxes and duties, administration of markets and fairs, regulation of new buildings, and provision of lighting sanitation and policing. Boroughs ceased to exist following the 1974 local government reorganisation.